Robert Acuff

The Landfill Committee meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included covering fire-related expenses from the Fund Balance, with the Finance Director confirming budget adjustments were possible. Updates on the landfill status were provided using aerial photographs. Director Hill detailed challenges with managing an excessive volume of tires, necessitating either shredding/chipping or contracting out the cutting process, with the goal of zero backlog maintenance. The committee reviewed and accepted a quote for the Square Credit Card Processing system, including initial setup and recurring monthly fees. Furthermore, an issue regarding uncollected inventory from a GovDeals sale was discussed, where options included retaining the funds and product or implementing a daily storage fee for the buyer. Staffing needs were raised, specifically the requirement for three additional CDL drivers, a new truck, and three trailers, with cost analysis pending. There was also a brief mention of a potential lease program presented by Mac Trucks to the Highway Department.

The Board of Commissioners meeting included addressing previous conduct issues and establishing professional expectations for future meetings. Key agenda items involved the Courthouse Emergency Egress Plan, approval of the amended agenda, and the acceptance of minutes from the October 2025 Regular Session. Financial reports were presented, noting expected reimbursements from FEMA and NRCS, and Carter County's positive financial standing regarding disaster recovery. The commission addressed the ongoing Landfill fire, with commendations for staff efforts. A public hearing was held for the consideration of a resolution amending and adding to the General Plan for the physical development of Carter County, updating building codes. Discussions included the potential purchase of real property located at 129 Judge Don Lewis Blvd. The Budget Committee approved numerous budget amendments across various funds (County General Fund, Solid Waste Fund, ARP Fund, Highway Fund, School Funds, and Helene Bond Fund), approved payments to Schaus Professional Services related to the Helene Flood, and authorized the bid process for Aerial Pictometry Services. The Financial Management Committee approved a loan agreement with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for additional Helene Emergency Assistance Loan Program funds and approved a property transfer notification. The meeting concluded after committee reports and county attorney summaries.

The Budget Committee meeting focused on several financial matters, primarily concerning payments and contract awards related to road repairs and bridge projects, many of which were damaged due to the Helene Flood. Key actions included approving payments to Landworx Construction Contractors for temporary bridge work, approving a Purchase Order to Mike's Auto for Animal Shelter Truck repairs due to flood damage, and approving payments and check requests to Slagle Construction and Schaus Professional Services. Additionally, the committee awarded bids for several road repair projects: Hampton Creek, Heaton Creek, Laurel Highlands, Long Hollow, and Perkins Hollow, authorizing the Mayor to sign the corresponding contracts with Summers-Taylor, Bakers Construction Services, and Beam Construction.

The Board of Commissioners meeting included the approval of the agenda with two additions: a budget item for the Poga Bridges bid and a contract item for property at 126 Judge Don Lewis Blvd. Key discussions involved the recognition of Volunteer Fire Departments and Constables for their response to the Carter County Landfill fire, and the approval of a resolution designating a bridge on Long Hollow Road as the "Blackeye McKinney Memorial Bridge." The Reappraisal Cycle Presentation covered the plan to move from a 5-year to a 4-year cycle. The Finance Director reported on fund balances and pending approvals for Poga Bridges. The EMA Director provided an update on disaster recovery projects. Significant actions taken by the Budget Committee included awarding the Poga Road Bridge #1 and Bridge #2 Replacement Project, and approving multiple budget amendments across various funds (County Fund, Solid Waste Fund, HEAL Fund, ARP Fund, Debt Service Fund, Capital Projects Fund, School Funds, and Helene Fund). Payments to Schaus Professional Services were also approved and subsequently discussed for termination. The Financial Management Committee approved declaring County property as surplus and approving a Credit Application for the EMA. The County Attorney reported on the purchase contract for 126 Judge Don Lewis Blvd., leading to approval contingent on specified changes.

The key discussions centered on the approval of the agenda, including an addition regarding Fund 177's Budget Amendment #1. Old Business involved updates on the status of the Emergency Spend List and Fund Balance reports due to FEMA-related project delays. Significant time was spent reviewing and approving Schaus invoices (70425 and 70325) after clarifying details regarding lodging credits, mileage calculations, and the necessity of logging regular and NRCS project hours separately. Under New Business, the committee accepted a $200,000.00 donation from Wellpoint Corporation for the EMA Office, which will fund purchases such as a new mobile trailer, emergency alert app, and equipment. The Sheriff's Office requested budget amendments to use reserve funds for purchasing a CPR machine for the Detention Center, and for new emergency weapons, rapid defense bags, and vehicles. The committee also approved allocating $1,467,625.00 into a reserve account to cover the County Match for the Mitigation Grant from the Governor's Office related to the Helene Flood. Updates on FEMA rapid-funded projects indicated setbacks in the reimbursement process for the main project but progress on a temporary bridge component. Finally, budget amendments for Funds 101, 116, 117, 127, 141, and 177 were approved, as were the July 2025 monetary and non-monetary donation listings for the animal shelter.